Last Thursday marked 50 years since the heavily out-numbered Australian soldiers of 6 RAR held out against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. They were supported by other force elements including a cavalry, artillery, signals and RAAF Iroquois. Our American and New Zealand partners were also involved. Together, they beat the odds.

Australia suffered the loss of 18 ADF members at Long Tan.  Another 24 were wounded.

Last week I was fortunate to be able to attend services in both Canberra and Cessnock to mark the Anniversary.  They were solemn occasions. The Cessnock service was made particularly special by the unveiling of a replica of the Long Tan Cross memorial in Vietnam which was erected by our soldiers following the Battle.

Congratulations to Cessnock RSL Sub Branch for its efforts, and I also thank members of other sub branches in our electorate including the Upper Hunter who also held services.

The decision of the Government of Vietnam to deny Australian veteran’s access to Long Tan last week is regrettable.  The 11^th hour declaration came as a shock.

There have been suggestions that the Communists were concerned that the pilgrimage was becoming more like a celebration of Australian victory on their soil.  Whatever the case, I hope our Government  uses the next 12 months to ensure our vets and their families are not denied in the future.

It's a tragedy that the Government has not been prepared to do more to help our dairy farmers.  Every response so far has been slow and inadequate. 

More pressure needs to be put on Murray Goulburn to support their farmers and across the industry, the bargaining power of farmers needs to be enhanced.

A big class of new MPs attended "pollie school" in Canberra last week, including our own Meryl Swanson who will be an outstanding representative. Twenty years after my own induction, it's difficult to fully appreciate the mix of excitement and nervousness they would have all been feeling. However, it is not just a big class, it looks one full of talent.